Portable video system

ABSTRACT

A portable video system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the base unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a video system, and moreparticularly to a portable video system.

[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art

[0004] As society becomes more mobile and therefore spends a greateramount of time traveling and away from home, demand rises for electronicappliances and devices outside the home environment. For example,recently, consoles having video cassette players and screens have beenmounted on in vehicles, facilitating video entertainment on the road.However, the video player or screen cannot be removed from the consoleor interior of a vehicle. Thus, videos may only be viewed with suchsystems when occupying the vehicle. Further, there is also a risk oftheft of the video system and corresponding damage to the vehicle whenthe vehicle is unattended.

[0005] While portable or small TVs with video cassette players can beused in various environments, it is difficult to secure such devices.When not secured, such devices can become a hazard, for example, insidea moving vehicle or in a busy work environment.

[0006] Therefore, a need exists for a video system adaptable to variousenvironments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portablevideo system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a videomedium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to thevideo player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate forselectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate,wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the baseunit.

[0008] The hinge is disposed between the display and the control paneland the display is pivotable from a stowed position wherein the displaylies in a plane parallel to a plane of the control panel, to variablepositions about an axis defined by the hinge.

[0009] The system further comprises a receiver for receiving controlsignals from a remote control device.

[0010] The video medium is a digital videodisk.

[0011] The base unit comprises an adapter for receiving an AC or a DCpower source, the base unit providing power to a coupled video unit.

[0012] The display is an LCD type monitor.

[0013] The base unit comprises a jack for connecting an external deviceto a secured video unit, wherein a signal is carried between the securedvideo unit and the external device.

[0014] The substrate is a bag for housing the video player and thedisplay, the bag having a flap cover for opening and closing a portionof the bag, and fastening means for suspending the bag, wherein the flapcover is opened for accessing the video player and the display. The bagis suspended from a seat of the vehicle.

[0015] The base unit comprises a means for securing the control panel.

[0016] Each of the base unit and the video unit comprises a pin array,wherein the respective pin arrays connect the base unit to the videounit.

[0017] The video unit is one of a clamshell-type video unit, a draw-typevideo unit, and a slot-type video unit.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base unitof a portable video system comprises a means for securing the base unitto a substrate, a means for securing a removable video unit to the baseunit, and a pin array for providing power to a secured removable videounit.

[0019] The pin array carries a signal between the secured removablevideo unit and an external device.

[0020] The signal is one of an audio signal and a video signal.

[0021] The base unit comprises a light source.

[0022] A cover is secured to the base unit in the absence of theremovable video unit. The cover comprises a connection to the means forproviding power and a light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedbelow in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0024]FIG. 1A is an illustration of a clamshell-type video systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 1B is an illustration of a draw-type video system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 1C is an illustration of a slot-type video system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 1D is an illustration of a base unit and a cover according toan embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 1E is an illustration of a video system comprising a latchmechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 1F is an illustration of a video system comprising a pressurefitting according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 1G is an illustration of a video system comprising a screwaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an installed portable video systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 3A is an illustration of a portable video system according toan embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 3B is an illustration of a portable video system according toan embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary power supply connection of a portablevideo system to a wall outlet according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0035]FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary power supply connection of a portablevideo system inside a vehicle according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0036]FIG. 6A is an illustration of a base unit according to anembodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIGS. 6B and 6C are illustrations of securing means of the baseunit according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038]FIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrations of installed base unitsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a portable video system according to anembodiment of the present invention comprises a video unit 100 and abase unit 101. The video unit 100 comprises a hinge 102, and a pivotabledisplay 103 pivotally attached to a video player 104 on the hinge 102.The display 103 can be pivoted away from the video player 104 andadjusted to a desired viewing angle by a user. The display 103 can befolded down flat against the video player 104. When folded, the display103 lies along a plane parallel to the plane of the video player 104.

[0040] The hinge 102 allows the display 103 to be positioned at variousangles for facilitating viewing of the display when the video player 104is set in different positions. For example, if the video player 104 isin an upright position (with the control panel being horizontal relativeto the ground and facing up), the display 103 is preferably positionedat about a 90-degree angle from the control panel. In another example,if the video player 104 is in a horizontal position (with the controlpanel in a vertical position relative to the ground), the display ispreferably adjusted to about a 180-degree angle from the video player104.

[0041] The pivotable display 103 comprises an LCD type monitor orflat-panel display. The video player 104 comprises an apparatus forreceiving a video medium, such as a videocassette or a DVD. Theapparatus can be, for example, a clamshell-type door 106 for receiving avideocassette and covering a DVD read head and spindle (not shown). Thecontrol panel 105 comprises a plurality of control buttons forcontrolling the functions of the video player, for example, volumecontrol, fast forward, rewind, pause, eject and play, and a power on/offbutton.

[0042] While the video unit 100 has been described in terms of aclamshell-type device, the video unit 100 can be embodied in otherconfigurations, for example, as a draw-type device comprising a draw 107and a spindle 108 for securing a disk 109 in place as shown in FIG. 1B.While the video unit 100 is shown receiving the disk 109 on an undersideof the draw 107, it is to be understood that the video unit 100 can alsobe configured to receive the disk 109 on a topside of the draw 107depending on a desired application. The video unit 100 can also beembodied as, for example, a slot-type device, as shown in FIG. 1C.

[0043] The video player 104 can include audio/video input and/or outputjacks 110 for optional connections with external audio/video sourcessuch as video game players, camcorders, computers, television oradditional video screens, headphones, and the like. The video player 104and/or the control panel 105 can include an infrared (IR) port 111 forconnecting to wireless devices such as wireless headphones. In addition,it is to be appreciated that the IR port 111 can receive control signalsfrom a remote control device. The video player 104 can also includevehicle convenience features, for example, a dome light 112.

[0044] The video unit can be coupled to a base unit 101. The base unitcan be securely fastened to a substrate such as a vehicle's ceiling,under a hanging cabinet in a kitchen, or on a tabletop. The base unit101 comprises a quick release mechanism 112 for securing and releasingthe video player 104. The quick release mechanism 112 can include abutton 113 for releasing a catch 114, which is secured to the videoplayer 104 by pressing the video player 104 securely into the base unit101. A rear portion of the video player 104 can be secured by aprojection 115 that fits within a hollow in the rear portion of thevideo player 104. The pivotable display 103 can be adjusted at variousangles despite the video player 104 being secured in the base unit 101.

[0045] The base unit can optionally comprise a pin array 116 thatconnects to a corresponding pin array of the video player 104 forproviding, for example, power to the video unit 100, a televisionantenna connection, and audio/video input/output connections. When thevideo player 104 is secured to the base unit 101, the pin array of thebase unit 101 physically connects to the pin array of the video player104. Thus, the base unit 101 can comprise, for example, headphone jacks117 for playing an audio track from the video unit 100. The base unit101 can also comprise, for example, a connection to auxiliary speakersor video screens 118.

[0046] When the video unit 100 is removed from the base unit 101, acover 119 can conceal a portion of the base unit 101. The cover 119 ismanufactured from a material such as, plastic, wood, and/or aluminum.The cover 119 can comprise a dome light for illuminating the interior ofthe vehicle.

[0047] The cover 119 and video player 104 can be secured by the samemechanisms. Thus, the cover 119 and the video player 104 can have one ormore features in common, such as openings for receiving latches and thelike. Referring to FIG. 1E, the cover 119 is secured by a latchmechanism comprising a latch 120 that passes into a bottom portion ofthe cover 119. The latch 120 is momentarily displaced as the cover 119is coupled with the base unit 101. A spring 121 secures the latch 120 inthe bottom portion of the cover 119. The latch 120 can be pressed,aligning a hook portion 122 of the latch with an opening in the bottomportion of the cover 119 or video player 104, and the cover 119 or videoplayer 104 can be pulled away from the base unit 101. Referring to FIG.1F, the cover 119 or video player 104 can be secured by a pressurefitting 123, wherein the base includes a channel into which a rib of thecover fits securely, or in the alternative, the cover includes a channelinto which a rib of the base fits securely. Referring to FIG. 1G,another example of a mechanism for securing the cover 119 or videoplayer 104 is a screw 124 secured to the cover 119 comprising a lobe 125that passes into the base unit 101 at a certain position, wherein thelobe aligns with an opening in the base unit 101. The screw 124 can beturned to misalign the lobe with the opening, securing the cover 119 tothe base unit 101. Further still, the cover 119 can be secured by othermechanisms, including, for example, locks, clips, and the like. Acombination of securing mechanisms can be used.

[0048]FIG. 2 depicts an example of a set up of a portable video unit 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. A bag 201,comprising an integrated base unit, secures the video player 104 of thevideo unit 100. The bag 201 can be suspended from objects affixed insidea vehicle, for example, between a pair of seats 200, for viewing by rearseat passenger viewers. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 2 shows thevideo unit 100 suspended between front seats 200 of a vehicle in asubstantially upright position by a bag 201, which includes acompartment for containing the video unit 100. In this position, a panel202 of the bag and the video player 104 of the video player 100 face arear seat. The bag 201 can be suspended behind a second row of seats invehicles equipped with three rows of seating.

[0049] While FIG. 2 depicts a clamshell-type video unit 100, it is to beunderstood that other types of video units can be implemented with thebag 201. For example, the video unit 100 can be a slot-type unit or adraw-type unit.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3A, the bag 201 includes a flap cover 301,which is, partially removable and can be opened or closed by a user. Theflap cover 301 is preferably held closed by Velcro® type material 302disposed at an upper portion of panel 202 of the bag. The flap cover 301is peeled open from the Velcro, and when opened, permits access to thevideo player 105 and exposes the display 103. With the bag suspended inthe position as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, thedisplay 103 is pivoted to around 180 degrees from the control panel forviewing. When the display 103 is closed, the flap cover 301 can beclosed against the Velcro material 302 and the video player 105 and thedisplay 103 cannot be accessed.

[0051] The bag also includes a ventilation panel 303 for furtherfacilitating air circulation through a side panel 304 of the bag 201.

[0052] The bag 201 preferably includes adjustable upper fastening means203 to secure and suspend the video bag from, for example, each headrestof front seats 200, and adjustable lower fastening means 204 to secureand suspend the video bag from, for example, each leg of front seats200, thus positioning the video unit 100 securely between the frontseats 200 for viewing. The adjustable upper and lower fastening means,203 and 204, include straps, Velcro, buckles, snaps, buttons, or hooks.The bag 201 also includes a carrying strap 305 for carrying the videounit during transport, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0053]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary auxiliary power connection of aportable video system to a wall outlet. A top face 410 of the bag 201includes an opening 406 to facilitate insertion of an electrical cord404 into the video player. The electrical cord may include, for example,an AC-DC adapter 405 for connection to a wall outlet 407. Power can besupplied to the video unit 100 from the auxiliary power connectionthrough the integrated base unit. Further, the bag 201 comprises abattery for portable power supply to the video unit 100. Power can beselectable supplied to the video unit from the auxiliary powerconnection or the battery.

[0054]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary auxiliary power connection of aportable video system to a cigarette lighter of a vehicle in an aspectof the present invention. The opening 406 can facilitate connection, forexample, to a DC 12V jack 502 of a cord 503. A DC 12V adaptor 504coupled to cord 503 connects with a cigarette lighter receptacle of avehicle for supplying power to the video unit.

[0055] It is to be appreciated that a portable video system according tothe present invention is easily removable from and can be operatedoutside of a vehicle, for example, in home or office environments. Inaddition, the bag for containing the video unit can be attached to andthus suspend the video unit from various other objects, such as chairs,walls, doors, etc. It is also to be appreciated that the video unit canbe operated when removed from the bag 201.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6A, the base unit 101 includes a bottom portion601. The base unit 101 can be connected to the vehicle's electricallysystem. A power receptacle 602 in the bottom portion 601 can accept apower source 603, such as an AC or DC power supply. The power receptacle602 is a pin array and can include additional connections foraudio/video signals to external devices, for example, a vehicle's stereosystem. The bottom portion 601 also comprises a means for securing thebase unit 101 to a substrate. The securing means can include, forexample, a clip as shown in FIG. 6B, a screw as shown in FIG. 6C, doublesided tape, or the like. A combination of various securing means canalso be implemented.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the base unit 101 can be affixed tovarious substrates. For example, the base unit 101 can be affixed to aceiling of a vehicle 701, for securing the video unit 100. The base unit101 can be affixed to the underside of a cabinet 702 as shown in FIG. 7Bfor securing the video unit 100. The base unit 101 can be secured tovarious other substrates, such as a tabletop or a wall.

[0058] Having described embodiments for a portable video system, it isnoted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilledin the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of theinvention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described theinvention with the details and particularity required by the patentlaws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is setforth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable video system comprising: a video unitfor facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge; adisplay pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge; and a baseunit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel ofthe video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can beselectively un-coupled from the base unit.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the hinge is disposed between the display and the control paneland the display is pivotable from a stowed position wherein the displaylies in a plane parallel to a plane of the control panel, to variablepositions about an axis defined by the hinge.
 3. The system of claim 1,further comprising a receiver for receiving control signals from aremote control device.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the videomedium is a digital videodisk.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thebase unit comprises an adapter for receiving an AC or a DC power source,the base unit providing power to a coupled video unit.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the display is an LCD type monitor.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the base unit comprises a jack for connecting anexternal device to a coupled video unit, wherein a signal is carriedbetween the coupled video unit and the external device.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the substrate is a bag for housing the video player andthe display, the bag having a flap cover for opening and closing aportion of the bag, and fastening means for suspending the bag, whereinthe flap cover is opened for accessing the video player and the display.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the bag is suspended from a seat ofthe vehicle.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the base unit comprisesa means for securing the control panel.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein each of the base unit and the video unit comprises a pin array,wherein the respective pin arrays connect the base unit to the videounit.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the video unit is one of aclamshell-type video unit, a draw-type video unit, and a slot-type videounit.
 14. A base unit of a portable video system comprising: a means forsecuring the base unit to a substrate; a means for securing a removablevideo unit to the base unit; and a pin array for providing power to asecured removable video unit.
 15. The base unit of claim 14, wherein thepin array carries a signal between the secured removable video unit andan external device.
 16. The base unit of claim 15, wherein the signal isone of an audio signal and a video signal.
 17. The base unit of claim14, further comprising a light source.
 18. The base unit of claim 14,wherein a cover is secured to the base unit in the absence of theremovable video unit.
 19. The base unit of claim 18, wherein the covercomprises: a connection to the means for providing power; and a lightsource.